I turned 58 a week ago. Amid all the birthday cheer on Facebook was a post from a childhood friend, sharing that his mom had died that very morning. That sad news reinforced what I wrote the next day to thank … Continue reading →

Today’s Photo 101 assignment asked us to capture an image of triumph. I went to the files for one of my favorite vicarious triumphs — one of my sons completing his first half-marathon, in 2011. I snagged the above shot … Continue reading →

Sometimes I fear I have no story. I don’t mean writer’s block. I mean that I have no story, no narrative that spells out what it is I’ve done, or what I’m doing, with my life. This struck me the other … Continue reading →

It’s scary sometimes how the mind works. Mine, anyway. When Michelle came home from work the other night carrying cameras, backpacks and other tools of the photography trade, I greeted her at the door with, “Take a load off!” It’s not … Continue reading →

This is not a rant about the U.S. Postal Service — even though a “Priority Mail” birthday package I sent last month is in limbo somewhere on the West Coast. True, my son’s birthday box of presents (and cash) hasn’t arrived … Continue reading →

Dani was in an abusive relationship for two years. One time she awoke on the floor and heard her abuser ask someone else in the room what he should do with the body. When Dani stirred, he told her, “Baby, … Continue reading →

Of the many observations I made visiting my son this weekend, one made all the rest possible: he is happy and thriving on the path he has chosen in life. That confirmation allowed me to enjoy the weekend, without any of the common … Continue reading →

Every year the children’s hospital in Syracuse, NY, hosts a memorial service for its young patients who are now “angels.” Many things resonated with me Friday night as I sat among several dozen families who had lost a child to … Continue reading →

My neighborhood’s best feature is a village park that hosts concerts and festivals in summer, ice skating in winter. The pond, when conditions are right and it’s been cleared of snow at the right time, is just about perfect for … Continue reading →